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Currency exchange in Prague: Finding the best exchange rate When changing money into Czech Crowns, visitors can usually obtain a better exchange rate in Prague than in their home country. And the very best exchange rate is usually obtained by withdrawing Czech Crowns from a cash machine (ATM) at a bank in Prague, even accounting for transaction fees your card issuer may levy. But it is important to note the following: (i) Cash machines (ATMs) in Prague Cash machines in Prague accept debit and credit cards backed by Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Key points on withdrawing money from an ATM: 1. Use a debit card if possible: transaction fees are normally lower than for a credit card. 2. Use an ATM belonging to a bank, NOT a currency exchange company. Even better, use an ATM at an actual bank rather than a stand alone machine in a random location; some stand alone ATMs impose extra charges. 3. If the ATM offers the option to 'pay using home currency', ignore it and opt to 'pay in local currency'. The transaction will then be converted at a good international rate. If you select 'home currency', the ATM converts the Czech Crowns at its own rate, which will be poor; this is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). Avoid it.
(ii) Best places to change cash in Prague To change cash for Czech Crowns, the best exchange rates can be found in the city centre, but be careful where you go: For excellent exchange rates and no commission, we recommend: eXchange at Kaprova 1 (near Old Town Square) and Samiko Exchange at Štěpánská 39 (near Wenceslas Square). The main area for banking in Prague is Wenceslas Square. Banks in the square offer good exchange rates, but do charge a small commission. Be wary of small currency exchange booths. Some offer reasonable rates, but at many offers of 0% commission and confusing signs mask a poor rate. Always ask what the total amount you will receive is before handing over any money. Credit card acceptance & Pay by mobile Credit cards, including contactless cards, and Pay by mobile via Google Pay and Apple Pay, are widely accepted as means of payment at hotels, restaurants and international shops in Prague. However, at some local shops, cafés and bars, cash is still king. |
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| The average high temperature in July/August is 23°C (73°F). However, at least one heat wave can be expected, with temperatures pushed up to 35°C (95°F), possibly higher. The average low temperature in December is -2°C (28°F) and in January is -4°C (25°F). Both months have colder periods, when temperatures dip much lower than this. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Prague Tourist Information Centres
Currency, Money, BANKS and Foreign Exchange in Prague
COST OF LIVING IN PRAGUE
When to Visit Prague
Weather in Prague
What to Wear in Prague
WiFi and Internet Access
Telephone and Post| General emergency: 112. Fire: 150. Ambulance: 155. Municipal Police: 156. Police: 158. First Aid: 141 23. Pharmacy: 141 24. Dental: 141 22. Emergency Road Service: 1230/1240. Post Office Central Prague Post Office: Jindrisska 14 (off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1. Open: Daily 02:00-24:00. Tel: 604 221 504. Postage rates Domestic letters & postcards: 19 CZK (50g). International letters & postcards: Europe 39 CZK (50g); Outside Europe 45 CZK (50g). |
 Czech Post Office sign |
Electricity
As in most of Northern and Central Europe, the electricity supply in Prague is 230v. Electrical sockets take standard European two-pin plugs. British, North American and other tourists should bring adaptors. In Prague, adaptors can be purchased at Tesco or at Euronics at Palladium Shopping Centre.
Public Transport in Prague
The Prague public transport network is cheap, efficient and highly integrated. Public transportation runs frequently during the day and at night, and a single ticket permits travel on trams, buses and the Prague Metro.
Dangers & Annoyances - Is Prague a safe city?
Prague is regarded by both locals and visitors as a safe city; safe to walk around and safe to travel on public transport, including at night. Assaults are extremely rare.
Pickpockets are the number one thing to look out for. Keep a close eye on your valuables: do not keep your wallet in your back pocket or hang your handbag on a chair in a crowded café. Make sure you can see or feel your money and other valuables. And observe the golden rule: if you do not need to carry it, leave it in the hotel safe.
Beware over-charging: in restaurants, check the bill carefully; in taxis, insist the driver puts the meter on - and if there is no meter, agree a price before you set off; avoid small currency exchange booths - see our advice on currency exchange above.
Our mission at Prague Experience is to help visitors experience the best of Prague. Tourist services listed on this website have been tested and approved - and if a service subsequently falls short, it is removed (places do change). Our Prague airport transfer drivers are polite and honest. Our accommodation is of a high standard. The restaurants we list serve great food, with good customer service. And we only sell the best sightseeing tours and river cruises, and list the best performances at the finest opera houses and concert halls and theatres in Prague.
Tipping
Tips are naturally welcomed by workers in the tourist industry, although the feeling is generally relaxed. Staff do not tend to chase tips. 5%-10% is appropriate. The exception is the overpriced touristy restaurants, which Prague Experience do not list. To avoid them, you may wish to consider the ones listed in our Prague restaurants guide.
Smoking
Smoking is illegal in enclosed public places in Prague and the Czech Republic, including in pubs, bars, cafés, restaurants and theatres.
Children's Activities & Families
As already stated, Prague is relatively safe. Parents need have no extra concerns for their children over the normal care one would take in a city.
| There are plenty of activities for kids to participate in: Gothic towers to climb, a Petrin Funicular Railway to ride and museums to visit. Plus there is Prague Zoo, Sea World, swimming pools, parks, river cruises, and several puppet and black light theatre shows to choose from: children's activities in Prague. Most restaurants and cafés welcome children, some have high chairs for babies. While kids' menus are rare, waiters are generally happy to suggest suitable dishes for children from the adult menu or perhaps offer half portions. Smoking in restaurants is banned. Important: both adults and children should watch out for trams when crossing roads. You may not be used to seeing them, and trams have the right of way. |  Prague for Children |
Accessibility: Wheelchairs, Walking Difficulties, PRAMS & BUGGIES
A continuous cycle of improvement to public buildings and the transport network in Prague ensures there is now barrier-free access to many of the city's tourist services.
And wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties, and families with prams and pushchairs will be pleased to note that Prague's city centre is compact, with many sights and tourist attractions located close to each other.
Stay in a hotel in the city centre (Prague 1), and if you can walk short distances or be pushed, you can participate in much of the sightseeing and entertainment on offer without using public transport or taxis.
Read more in our Prague Accessibility Guide.
Healthcare & Medical Services
The Czech Republic is a developed country, and the standard of healthcare is impressive, especially in Prague. The country performs above the EU average in terms of affordability, low waiting times and outcomes. It is also a popular destination for medical tourism.
For Czech citizens, health insurance is compulsory.
EU citizens have free access to emergency medical care through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
UK citizens have free access to emergency medical care through their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
Other nationals, and EU and UK citizens requiring more extensive medical cover than that provided for under EHIC and GHIC, are advised to arrange appropriate travel insurance.
There are no major health risks in Prague at present. The tap water is safe to drink, and food-borne diseases are not a major concern in restaurants and shops.
In the wider Czech Republic, particularly in forested areas, travellers should avoid insect and tick bites, which can cause irritation and infections of the skin, and spread diseases.
Tourists seeking medical attention in Prague, both emergency and general medical care, have several options. Pharmacies can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses. For emergency care, dial 112 to be connected to the EU emergency line, which guarantees an English-speaking operator. Alternatively, contact the Czech medical emergency services on 155. Ambulance response times are usually good.
Pharmacies (Lekarny)
There are many pharmacies in Prague. Most are located in the New Town, both in the form of stand-alone stores and within shopping malls.
Dr. Max Lékárna, Vodickova 40 (off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.
| Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-20:00. Tel: 224 235 847. Adamova Lékárna, Wenceslas Square 8, Prague 1. Open: Mon-Fri 09:00-19:00; Sat 11:00-19:00. Tel: 224 227 532. Lékárna, Palladium Shopping Centre (Level -2), Náměstí Republiky, Prague 1. Open: Thu-Sat 09:00-22:00; Sun-Wed 09:00-21:00. Tel: 224 829 073. Lékárna Opletalova, Opletalova 4 (off Wenceslas Square), Prague 1. Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00; Sat 10:00-14:00. Tel: 224 220 703. |  Pharmacies in Prague |
Lékárna, Palackeho 5 (near Wenceslas Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-17:00.
Tel: 224 946 982.
Lékárna AVE, Havlíčkova 5 (near Old Town Square), Prague 1.
Open: Mon-Fri 08:00-18:00.
Tel: 601 201 489
Web: Website.
Dr. Max Lékárna, Praha Hlavní Nadrazi (Main Train Station), Wilsonova 8, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Fri 07:00-19:00; Sat-Sun 08:00-20:00.
Lékárna U svate Ludmily, Belgická 37, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Fri 07:00-21:00; Sat 08:00-20:00; Sun 09:00-20:00.
Tel: 222 513 396
Web: Website.
Doctors (Doktori)
Doctor Prague, Vodickova 28, 3rd entrance, 2nd floor, Prague 1.
Standard Open: Mon-Fri 08:30-17:00. Tel: 224 220 040.
Emergency Hotel Doctor Open: 24 hrs. Tel: 603 433 833.
Dentists (Zubari)
Malo Clinic, Kateřinská 18, Prague 2.
Open: Mon-Thu 07:30-19:30; Fri 07:30-16:30; 24hr emergency service.
Tel: 775 785 222. Website.
Passport & Visa Information for visitors
Passport requirements to enter the Czech Republic
| EU nationals: You must have a passport or ID card valid for the length of your visit (your passport must not expire before you leave the Czech Republic). UK & other nationals: You must have a passport valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Czech Republic. Your passport must also be less than 10 years old: more passport information. Visa information Czech Republic (Czechia) is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen area. Therefore, most tourist visitors do not require a visa to visit Prague, just a valid passport (or ID card for EU citizens). |  Passport and Visa Information |
Other nationals may require a visa: more visa information.
Foreign Embassies & Consulates
-Czech Embassies Worldwide
-Czech Embassy in London
-Foreign Embassies in Prague.
Customs Allowances within the European Union (EU)
Arrival: If you travel to Prague from an EU country, you can bring an unlimited quantity of most goods, including alcohol and tobacco, so long as it is for personal use.
If you travel to Prague from a non-EU country, you can bring most goods, within reason, including alcohol and tobacco, but not meat or dairy products.
Departure: If you travel to an EU country from Prague, you can carry an unlimited quantity of most goods, including alcohol and tobacco, so long as it is for personal use.
If you travel to a non-EU country from Prague, you can carry most goods, within reason, including alcohol and tobacco. And you are exempt from paying VAT and taxes on alcohol - duty-free alcohol is available for purchase at Prague Airport (PRG).
How much duty-free you can carry depends on the rules of the country you are flying to. Travellers bound for the UK, for example, can return home with:
-42 litres of beer and 18 litres of still wine;
-4 litres of spirits OR 9 litres of sparkling wine, fortified wine or any alcoholic beverage less than 22% ABV;
-200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g tobacco OR 200 sticks of tobacco OR any proportional combination of these.
Lost Property
Prague 1, Karoliny Svetle 5.
Open: Mon & Wed 08:00-12:00 & 12:30-17:30; Tue & Thu 08:00-12:00 & 12:30-16:00; Fri 08:00-12:00 & 12:30-14:00.
Tel: 224 235 085.
More Information
Our Prague tourism guide explains the layout of the city.
Follow the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) News for Prague.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.
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CURRENCY GUIDE
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